Past Chief Pepper Honored with 2025 Emergency Communications Excellence Award in Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Georgetown Fire Company is celebrating one of its own after Past Chief Pepper received a top statewide honor for excellence in emergency communications.

Chief Pepper was presented with the 2025 Emergency Communications Administrative Excellence Award during the annual EMS Banquet on Friday night. The award recognizes outstanding leadership, administrative achievement and dedication within emergency communications services.

Fire company officials said the honor reflects Pepper’s long-standing commitment to public safety and his significant contributions to both the department and the broader emergency response community.

His leadership has also been instrumental at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, where he has played a key role in strengthening coordination and operational effectiveness, according to colleagues.

“The officers and members proudly celebrate this well-deserved achievement,” the department said in a statement, noting that Pepper’s service continues to serve as a model for others in the organization and throughout Sussex County.

The annual EMS Banquet brings together emergency medical and public safety professionals from across the region to recognize outstanding service and dedication.